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Forty political opponents, including prominent figures from diverse political factions, are facing trial in Tunisia. Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) expresses grave concern that these politically motivated prosecutions aim to silence dissent and curtail fundamental freedoms.
A group of defendants, including prominent politicians, journalists, and activists, is under scrutiny in a high-profile case. Notable among them are Ghazi Chaouachi, Issam Chebbi, Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Abdelhamid Jelassi, Khayam Turki, Redha Belhaj, Kamal Latif, and Chaima Issa. The list also includes Nadia Akacha, the former head of the presidential office, and Kamel Guizani, the former head of intelligence, both of whom are currently living outside the country.
They face serious allegations, including “conspiring against state security” and “membership in a terrorist organization,” charges that carry severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty. The case has raised significant concerns regarding political repression and the state of civil liberties.
In recent weeks, the Tunisian judiciary has issued harsh sentences against politicians, journalists and activists in the “Instalingo” case, in which the media company was accused of running an anti-regime media campaign, leading to prison sentences for prominent opponents, including Rached Ghannouchi, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison.
The organization believes that these trials are part of a systematic approach to using the judiciary as a tool to suppress opponents and stifle freedoms, which constitutes a flagrant violation of the independence of the judiciary and guarantees of a fair trial.
The organization also expresses its absolute rejection of the remote trial of the accused, as this deprives the accused of their basic right to defend themselves and raises concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.
Reports from lawyers and family members of the detainees confirm that the charges are based on weak evidence and unreliable testimonies. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has also described these trials as a serious decline in the level of freedoms and the independence of the judiciary, putting Tunisia before a real test of its commitment to international human rights standards.
The continued issuance of harsh sentences against opponents and activists reflects a dangerous escalation by the Tunisian regime, threatening internal stability and increasing Tunisia’s international isolation.
In this context, Women Journalists Without Chains affirms that these trials represent a flagrant violation of international standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the principles of judicial independence.
The WJWC is calling for several urgent reforms, demanding fair and transparent trials that include the presence of the accused and their legal representatives. The organization is also advocating for the immediate release of all political detainees and an end to the targeting of journalists and media professionals.
Emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression as a cornerstone of democracy, WJWC insists on safeguarding this right. Furthermore, the organization underscores the necessity of an independent judiciary, urging that it not be used as a political tool.
The continuation of these sham trials represents a serious threat to Tunisia’s democratic gains and requires urgent action by the international community and all concerned parties to ensure respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.
Released by:
Women Journalists Without Chains
March 5, 2025
